Salmonella Prompts Recall of Jones Natural Chews Co. Pig Ears

Thousands of boxes of Jones Natural Chews Company Pig Ears are being recalled over potential contamination with the dangerous, and sometimes deadly, Salmonella bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Jones Natural Chews Co. is located in Rockford, Illinois.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is also risk to humans handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after contact with the Pig Ear chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with the bacteria should monitor themselves for some or all of the following Salmonella symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. More serious Salmonella poisoning ailments include arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this recalled product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets, can also be carriers and can infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Of note, Salmonella-contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled. Most persons recover without antibiotic treatment; however, the diarrhea can be severe, and hospitalization may be required. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems may develop more serious illness with the infection potentially spreading from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites; this can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

To date, no illnesses have been reported; however, it is important to note that the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning can take some time to manifest.

Some 2075 boxes of Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears were distributed in Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington State, and Wisconsin. Defective products were shipped to distributors and retailers from September 15 to November 2, 2010:

Jones Natural Chews Co. Pig Ears:

• 2-pack bag with header card; item UPC 741956001047 lot 2420

• Bulk 100-count box; box UPC 741956001139; lots 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980

• Bulk 50-count box; box UPC 741956001504; lot 2490, 2840

• Bulk 25-count box; box UPC 741956001467; lot 2700

• 1-pack shrink-wrapped; item UPC 741956001146; lots 2700, 2840, 2420

• 10-pack printed bag; item UPC 741956001405; lots 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840

Blain’s Farm and Fleet Pig Ears

• 10-piece bag; item UPC 741956001405; lot 2560

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears

• 1-pack shrink-wrapped: item UPC 741956001511, lot 2630; item UPC 741956001146, lot 2420

• 12-pack bag; item UPC 741956001245; lot 2910

Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled pig ears are urged to return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Jones Natural Chew Company can be reached, toll-free, at 1.877.481.2663.